FAQ'S

What file format for mixing?

Export/Bounce each audio track as a WAV or AIFF file. (I.e., Lead vocal 1, Backing vocal 1, Kick, Snare, Hi hats, Piano, Bass etc.) These can either be mono or stereo. As 24bit at 44.1khz, 48khz, 88.2khz or 96khz. Only keep on plugins that are crucial to sound shaping or a special effect. General effects like compression/reverb/eq/delay etc please remove. And no audio clipping! Also, which is really important, make sure you export/bounce each audio track from the same start point in your audio sequencer, i.e., 1. Send Music files - Click here

Do I need mastering or mixing?

Don't make the same mistake like me. I used to think mastering was the final and most important part of the record making process.
Yes mastering is important but not nearly as important as the initial idea for the song. Production. Tracking (if recording a live
band). Then mixing. Out of all these things mastering comes last. Clever writing, recording, production and mixing are the key! Ask yourself
are you 100% happy with your mix down. If not, you're not ready for mastering.

What's the difference between mixing and mastering?

Mixing is where you have access to the recorded parts (The full production) in a song. Usually ranging from 30 to over 200 tracks occasionally. For instance,
lead vocal, backing vocals, ad-lib's, harmonies, kick drum, snare, toms, hi hats, overheads, bass, synths, keyboards, piano, strings, guitars etc.
It's the mix engineer's job to balance all the elements. Using Eq, compression, panning, reverb, delays, special fx plus many other skills
and techniques to provide that master final stereo mix down. Mastering is where you only have access to process the final stereo mix down.

Can you contact me via the telephone !?

No problem at all. If you wish to speak to me regarding any project please call. TEL: Studio 01794 279142 Mobile 07876 352645

What are the turn around times for online mixing or Mastering?

Usually 3 - 5 days for mixing, 1-2 days for Mastering. Sometimes same day depending on work load.

How to send files for mixing ?

Simply upload your audio files zipped up to WeTransfer.com. Or upload your files to any other file transfer
system and email me your link. Use WINZIP or WINRAR to zip up files.

What file format for mastering?

For best results send your stereo mix down as 24bit wav or aiff file, at 96khz, 88.2khz, 48khz or 44.1khz

Master channel - Do I leave the limiter on ?

Turn the limiter off. This will give me headroom to work with. You also might have other plugins on like Eq, compression or stereo
enhancement. Only leave these on if your 100% happy with what they're doing. For instance to much low end eq may make the track sound
muddy. You might be killing punch with incorrect settings with a compressor! Extremely important!

Free test mixing or mastering - How does this work ?

I want you to try my services without any obligation. I will provide new clients with a free test mix or master. Listen to what I have
done at your own leisure. Just send over your track stating 'Free test mixing or mastering'.

ISRC codes / DDP image ?

If you are releasing a physical CD you will want me to burn a physical CD (Red book master). You might want me to include your isrc codes.
These codes identify each track on your CD and allow for any royalty reporting. You can apply for your own codes or companies like cdbaby.com
can provide them for you. If you're pressing many cd's, your cd manufacturing plant may require a DDP image. No problem just request it!

A few tips

No.1 Headroom

Give yourself plenty of headroom in your DAW, if you're mixing in the box. A good
way to start your mix is with the kick drum. Lock it in between -6db/-10db's.
Then mix your other sounds around the kick. Hopefully your mix will then sit below
0 db with no digital clipping!

No.2 A/D-D/A converters

Try to buy the best A/D-D/A converters you can afford. You might be thinking
"But I am not recording anything, I am working all in the box!". The point is you'll
be able to make much better choices/decisions when mixing. You will be listening
through quality converters.

No.3 Room Acoustics

Your mixing room. Try to treat your room acoustics the best you can. If you
have a lot of reflective surfaces it will effect the listening. In smaller rooms
bass traps help a lot. But don't go over board making your room too dead !

No.4 Near field monitors

Try to buy a pair of decent near field monitors. Near fields will give you flatter freq
response. Again you'll be able to make much better choices/decisions when mixing. To help with Sub bass buy a quality pair of headphones. I recommend the Audio Technica ATH-M50.

No.5 Experience

Experience is the key. Just keep mixing, mixing, and more mixing. Every time you mix
a different track you'll find different problems to deal with. The bass is not right, the
vocals are not sitting right, no stereo spread, no punch, lack of clarity etc . Each
time you're going to fix these issues by trying things out and experimenting. Try out what
you have learnt in the classroom and what you have read online and in books.

Lastly, I love this guys angle on mixing. Check out his post here
at FutureProducers.com. Hope some of this helps, Cheers Clive Knightley.